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Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has resisted the temptation of making many changes to his starting line-up, opting for experience against Russia
Gor Mahia forward Rooney Onyango has been handed a start in the Harambee Stars team set to face Russia in a friendly encounter in Turkey on Monday.
He will partner Masoud Juma and captain Michael Olunga upfront while Amos Nondi will slot in at right-back in the absence of Daniel Ayembe as Eric Ouma keeps his place at left-back while Joseph Ojumu and Johnstone Omurwa continue their partnership at centre-back.
Stars coach Engin Firat has stuck with the three-man midfield of Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu and Kenneth Muguna.
Kenya are taking on Russia for the first time as coach Firat seeks to get them back on winning ways after suffering a 1-0 loss at the hands of South Sudan in September.
Stars had beaten Qatar 2-1 in Doha before they were brought back to earth by the south Sudanese on home soil.
The match is part of Kenya’s build up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers which begin in November.
Kenya are in Group F of the qualifiers alongside Ivory Coast, Gabon, the Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles and will therefore need good preparations to be in great shape for the matches.
Russia, who are suspended from international competitions due to the war in Ukraine, are unbeaten in the last one year and beat Cameroon 1-0 last Thursday.
Kenya’s starting line-up vs Russia: Bryne Odhiambo, Amos Nondi, Joseph Okumu, Johnstone Omurwa, Eric Ouma, Richard Odada, Anthony Akumu, Kenneth Muguna, Rooney Onyango, Masoud Juma & Michael Olunga (C)
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